BigPatents India

A basic metal nitrate, which satisfies one or more of the following requirements (a) to (d): (a) 0.5 to 40 µm with respect to the diameter of a particle, (b) a half-width of a peak in X-ray analysis of 0.4 deg or less with respect to a crystallinity, (c) 220 DEG C with respect to the starting temperature for weight decrease in TG-DTA analysis, and (d) 1000 ppm or less in terms of Na atom with respect to the content of impurities; and a gas-generating agent for use in a gas generator for an air bag, which comprises (a) a tetrazole derivative, a guanidine derivative or a mixture thereof, (b) the basic metal nitrate and (c) a binder and/or a slag-forming agent. The nitrate has a good thermal stability and is suitable as an oxydizing agent for a gas-generating agent. The above-mentioned gas-generating agent is reduced in toxicity, exhibits high burn-up rate and has a low combustion temperature. Drawing : 7 Sheets Total Pages: 98 (FIG .- 1)